Variable spray apparatus



United States Patent Leon C. Samuelson;

Richard L. Davenport; Philip L. Crowell, Racine, Wisconsin [21] Appl.No. 772,208

[22] Filed Oct. 31,1968

[45] Patented Nov. 24, 1970 [73] Assignee S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

Racine, Wisconsin [72] Inventors [54] VARIABLE SPRAY APPARATUS 19Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl... ZZZ/402.19 [51] Int. Cl B65d 83/00 [50] Field ofSearch..222/402,l7, 402.l9,402.1402.25

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,209,960 10/1965 Green3,447,551 6/1969 Braun Primary Examiner-Samuel F. Coleman Attorney.loseph T. Kivlin, Jr.

ABSTRACT: Regulators and adaptors for pressurized dispensing containerswhich permit the discharge of product in any position of the containerand in a plurality of different discharge characteristics.

04 7o 0 Q g Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet INVENTORS I 460v C. \SkwaasovPatented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet Patented Nov. 24, 1970 3,542,254

Sheet 4 014 Flea 4190 Z. Osvcwpoer PH L/P I Gee 54 L VARIABLE SPRAYAPPARATUS This invention relates to improvements in aerosol and likepressurized containers for dispensing product and, more particularly, toregulators and adaptors for said containers which permit the dischargeof product an any position of the container and in a plurality ofdifferent discharge characteristics.

While the several aspects of the present invention are subject to a widerange of applications, they are especially suited for dispensinginsecticides, or the like, and will be particularly described in thatconnection.

The various types of insects encountered about the home or the like andtheir habitat pose many difficult and sometimes opposing packaging anddispensing requirements in the use of insecticides. Some types ofinsects are best controlled by applying the insecticide to surfaces inthe vicinity of the insects habitat or in other places where insectsalight or congregate. This type of insect control relies in the main onthe penetrating vapors and residual action of the insecticide; and thus,in order to obtain optimum insect control, the surfaces must besubstantially wetted with the insecticide. Thus, for example, in orderto control ants, roaches, silverfish, centipedes, spiders and the like,the infested'areas, usually near baseboards and floors, are wetted withthe insecticide. Typically, this is done by utilizing a spray device,such as an aerosol dispenser, having a relatively coarse or wet spraydischarge characteristic whereby the insecticide spray remains on thesurface to be wetted rather than bounces off, as would be the case if arelatively fine spray discharge characteristic is used.

Other types of insects, such as garden pests and flying insects are bestand safely controlled by filling the surrounding air or vicinity wherethe insects are or will be present with insecticide. This type ofinsectcontrol'relies in the main on the direct contact action of theinsecticide. In order, however, to avoid any harmful effects of theinsecticide to persons or things, such as plants, in the vicinity and inorder to properly fill the air, the insecticide must be dispensed in avery fine particle size. Typically, this is done by utilizing a spraydevice, such as an aerosol dispenser, having a fine spray dischargecharacteristic rather than a wet spray characteristic as is necessaryfor wetting surfaces. i

Thus, as evident from the above, the use of insecticide to control thevarious types of insects encountered about the home requires thedispensing of insectide in a plurality of distinctly different dischargecharacteristics. While the advent of the aerosol dispenser has greatlysimplified the dispensing of insecticide about the home, known aerosoldispensers are adapted to dispense insecticide in only one dischargespray characteristic. Thus, to date, in order to adequately control thevarious insects encountered about the home, separate aerosols, eachhaving a different discharge spray characteristic, are needed. Moreover,for reasons known to those skilled in the art, most known aerosoldispensers must be maintained as upright as possible when in use. Thislatter requirement is a severe limitation inthe useofknown aerosols indispensing of insecticides, particularly when wetting low surfaces suchas baseboards and the like.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a pressurizeddispensing container, such as an aerosol, which permits discharge ofproduct, for example insecticide, in any position of the container andin a plurality of different discharge characteristics.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a pressurized container for dispensing product in a pluralityof distinct predetermined discharge characteristics. The containerincludes a product discharge valve mounted thereon and regulatingmeanscooperating with the valve for regulating the passage of productthrough the valve such that in various predetermined positions of thecontainer, product is discharged from the valve in a plurality ofdifferent predetermined discharge characteristics. Preferably,

. the regulating means cooperates with the valveto discharge product ina first predetermined discharge spray characteristic, such as forexample fine spray, when thecontainer is inthe upright position and in asecond distinct discharge spray characteristic, such as a coarse or wetspray, when the container is in the inverted position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theregulating means is constructed to define a product eduction passagewayto the discharge valve from the container. Preferably, the passagewayhas two openings which communicate with the interior of the container, afirst one of the two openings providing product communication betweenthe container and the passageway when the container is in the uprightposition, the second of the two openings providing like productcommunication when the container is in the inverted position. The twoopenings are constructed relative to one another such that product isdischarged in a first predetermined rate when the container issubstantially in the upright position and in a second predetermined ratewhen the container is in the inverted position.

' In another aspect of the present invention, the regulating meansincludes closing means constructed to close the first of the twoopenings into the passageway when the container is in the invertedposition. This aspect helps to obtain proper regulation between thevarious discharge rates of the product. In one embodiment the closingmeans is additionally constructed to close the secondof said twoopenings when the container is in the upright position. In anotherembodiment, the second of the two openings is maintained open when thecontainer is in the upright position. In this arrangement the second ofthe two openings functions as a vapor tap while the container isupright, which, of course, is highly desirable if a line spray isdesired.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theregulator may comprise an ordinary discharge valve body having a sideopening defined therein and a special adapter. The adapter isconstructed to define a product passageway from the container to thebody of the discharge valve. The

adapter is also constructed to house a passage closing means and isarranged such that the closing means closes the passageway when thecontainer is in the inverted position. 'With this arrangement, productis discharged from the con tainer through the product passageway of theadapterwhen the container is in the upright position and through theside opening'of the valve body when the container is in the invertedposition.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, theregulators and adapters disclosed may be utilized to provide apressurized dispenser which dispenses product in a single dischargecharacteristic in any position of the container.

Thus, continuous product discharge may be achieved regardlessof theposition of the container.

There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more importantfeaturesof the invention in order that the detailed description thereof thatfollows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There .are, ofcourse, additional features of the invention that will be describedhereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appendedhereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which the disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures for carrying out the severalpurposes of the invention. It is important, therefore, that the claimsbe regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do notdepart'frorn the spirit and scope of the invention.

Specific embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes ofillustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawingsforming a part of the specification wherein:

FIG. lis a perspective view of a pressurized container constructed inaccordance with the presentinvention and utilizing a dischargevalveandregulator to discharge product in a first predetermined dischargecharacteristic when the container is in the upright position and in asecond distinct discharge "characteristicwhen inverted;

.present invention, and

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section,

showing the regulator ofthe container illustrated in FIG. 1

when the container is in the upright position;

FIG. 3 is an oblique sectional view of part of the regulator shown inH0. 2',

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, showing theregulator of the container of FIG. 1 when the container is in theinverted position;

HO. 5 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, showinganother regulator constructed in accordance with the especially suitablefor use with discharge valves not provided with a side opening;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section. showinganother regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention;

HO. 7 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of stillanother regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention,and utilizing a passage closing means which is moved by product flow;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of stillanother regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention,and utilizing a portion of a dip tube to define the housing thereof;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, ofstillanother regulator constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of stillanother regulator constructed in accordance with the present inventionand utilizing a perforated passage closing means;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of stillanother regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention,and

H0. 12 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section of stillanother regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention,and utilizing a central bore to house the passage closing means.

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numeralsindicate like structure, and more specifically to the embodiment shownin FlGS. l4, there is illustrated a pressurized aerosol containerindicated generally at which is constructed in accordance with thepresent invention. While the container 20 may be of any desired shape,it is shown as the ordinary aerosol type made from sheet metal andhaving substantially cylindrical sidewalls 22, a domed upper wall 24constituting a neck, an external rim or shoulder 26 disposed at thejuncture of the neck 24 and the sidewalls 22. Secured to the neck 24 andspanning the opening thereof is a manually operable discharge valveassembly 28. The valve assembly 28 includes a cup 30, such as commonlyused on aerosol dispensers. The cup 30 is made of metal, the upper edgeof which is adapted to be rolled to form a hermetic seal with the upperportion of the neck 24 of the container. The cup 30 includes a reentrantneck 32 coaxial with the outer walls of the cup and having a centralopening 34 provided therein. The reentrant neck 32 serves to support amanually operable discharge valve shown generally at 36.

The valve 36 may be any one of a number which are commercially availableand commonly used with pressurized dispensers. For purposes ofillustration one such valve is shown inFlG. 2, and comprises a valvebody reentrant sized to fit within and under the reentrant neck 32 ofthe cup 30. The valve body 38 extends from the reentrant neck 32 intothe container and terminates at its lower end in a tubular chambersection 40 having a flow opening 42 therein. A product chamber 44extends from the top of the valve body 38 to the flow opening 42. Inaddition, an opening 46 is provided in the valve body 38 to provideproduct communication between the container and the product chamber 44.The discharge valve 36 also includes a valve cup 48 sized to fit looselywithin the valve body 38. a boss 50, provided on the bottom of the valvecup 48, is embraced by one end ofa coiled spring 52 the other end ofwhich sits on the horizontal seat 54 of the tubular section 40. Thecoiled spring 52 normally urges the valve cup 48 into sealing engagementwith the interior of the reentrant portion 32 of the cup 30.

A valve stem 56 extends up from the valve cup 48 through the opening 34in the reentrant neck 32 of the cup. To operate the discharge valve 36,the user merely depresses the valve stem 56, in the usual fashion, tocause an orifice (not shown) provided therein to communicate with theproduct chamber 44 of the valve 36. This action causes productmaintained under pressure by propellant to be discharged from the valve36.

An adapters shown generally at 58 is attached to the tubular section 40of the valve body 38 by any known retaining means such as the-retainingring 60 shown in FIG. 2. The adapter 58 and the valve body 38 cooperateto define a product regulator shown generally at 59 constructed inaccordance with the present invention. The adapter 58 includes asubstantially hollow cylindrical housing 62 which defines a productpassageway 64 between the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38 at oneend, and a dip tube 66 communicating with the interior of the containerat the other end. The adapter 58 also includes an upwardlyextending'wall 68 preferably integrally formed with the housing 62.

As shown in FIG. 3, an upper part of the wall 68 is stepped to provide acupshaped housing 70 for a steel ball 72. It will be noted that theupper rim of the cup 70 extends a short distance further axially thanthe steel ball 72. This dimensional difference has been found beneficialto prevent any Venturi effects caused by the product passing through thepassageway 64. A guide fin 74 is integrally formed between the cup 70 ofthe wall 68 and the inner wall of the housing 62. The guide finfunctions to facilitate the movement of the ball to and from the uppersection 70 of the wall in a manner to be more fully describedhereinafter.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, the wall 68 cooperates with the housing62 to define a bypass 76 for the passageway 64. In the preferredembodiment, the effective opening of the bypass 76 is made of a size sothat its effect on the product flow rate is equal to or greater than theflow opening 42. In addition, the orifice sizes of the opening 46 andthe flow opening 42 are constructed relative to one another such thatthe product is discharged from the container 20 in a first flow ratewhen the container is in the upright position, and in a second flow ratewhen the container is in the inverted position.

The regulator 59 defined by the adapter 58 and the valve body 38operates as follows. When the container 20 is in the upright position asshown in FIG. 2, and the stem 56 is manually depressed in the usualfashion, product maintained under pressure within the container isforced up through the dip tube 66 through the bypass 76 and thepassageway 64 and into the product chamber 44 via the flow opening 42.As product passes through the product chamber 44, it is mixed in a wellknown manner with propellant introduced through the opening 46 acting asa vapor tap. The product then passes through the orifice (not shown)provided in the valve stem 56 and up through the valve stem 56 to theatmosphere. The discharge characteristics of the product dispensed fromthe stem 56 is determined in the main by the effective orifice sizes ofthe flow opening 42, bypass 76, and the inner diameter of the dip tube66.

It will be noted that during the operation of the regulator when thecontainer 20 is in the upright position, the steel ball 72 remainspositioned within the cup 70 of the wall 68, and thus does not affectthe flow of product through the passageway 64. As pointed out above, byestablishing the upper rim of the cup 70 a little higher axially thanthat of the steel ball 72, product is unable to pick up the steel ballby a Venturi effect.

When container 20 is in the inverted position, the regulator 59 definedby the adapter 58 and the valve body 38 assumes the conditionsubstantially shown in FIG. 4. As shown therein, the steel ball 72 isdisplaced by gravity from the cup 70 and is seated by the help of guidefin 74 over the flow opening 42 in such a manner as to substantiallyclose product communication between the passageway 64 and the productchamber 44. When the container is in the inverted position, however, theopening 46, which functions as a vapor tap when the container is in theupright position, is placed in communication with the product of thecontainer 20. Thus, product flows through opening 46 into the chamber44. Product then flows through the valve stem 56 to the atmosphere inthe usual manner. The product discharged from the valve stem 56, whenthe container is in the inverted position, is discharged in a seconddischarge characteristic determined by the effective orifice sizes ofthe opening 46, the orifices of the valve stem, and inner diameter ofthe valve stem 56 as well as the discharge orifice (not shown).

If it is desired to obtain vapor tap action while the container is inthe inverted position, the flow opening 42 may be shaped such that thesteel ball 72 only partially closes the same. Thus, when the containeris inverted and product flows through the opening 46 to the valve stem56, propellant leaks through the flow opening 42 into the productchamber 44 to mix with the product therein contained.

It will be appreciated from the above that the regulator 59 defined bythe adapter 58 and the valve body 38 is especially suitable fordispensing insecticide spray and the like since it adapts a singlepressurized container to discharge insecticide in a plurality ofdifferent discharge characteristics. Thus, for example, when thedischarge characteristics of the container are adjusted to provide afine spray when the container is in the upright position, flying insectsand the like may be controlled; and when the discharge characteristicsof the container are also adjusted to provide a wet'spray when thecontainer is in the inverted position, an adequate wet spray may beobtained for wetting surfaces to control roaches and the like. It willbe noted that these discharge characteristics have been chosen so thatwhen it is desired to wet baseboards, floors and the like, the containeris ideally in the inverted position. By way of example, the followingorifice sizes have been found satisfactory in adapting the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 14 to provide a fine spray when the container isupright and a relatively coarse or wet spray when the container isinverted:

Flow Opening 42 -060 Opening 16-.012".

Bypass section 7 6.080

Dip Tube 66 (internal diameter).080.

An alternate form of a regulator for providing a plurality of distinctspray characteristics constructed in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 5 wherein like reference numerals indicatelike structures described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. Thisregulator is especially suited for use with a manual discharge valve nothaving an opening or vapor tap 46 defined therein. As shown in FIG. 5,regulator 80 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 82 having adepending nipple 84 and an opening 86 providing communication betweenthe interior and the exterior of the housing 82. In addition, regulator80 includes a core coupler 88 which engages the interior of the housing82 and couples it to the valve body 38 of a discharge valve 36. Thecoupler 88 has an opening 90 providing product communication between theflow opening 42 of the valve 36 and a chamber 92 defined by thecooperation of the coupler 88 and the housing 82. A slide 94 having aproduct channel 96 extending therethrough, is positioned within theproduct chamber 92 and is constructed to rest on a shoulder 98 of thehousing 82 and to close the opening 86 thereof. In addition, the slide94 is constructed to cooperate with the near end of the coupler 88 todefine a valve seat therebetween. such that when the regulator 80 isinverted, the slide 94 engages the end of the coupler 88 to closeproduct communication between the product channel 96 of the slid 94 andthe product chamber 92. I

The regulator 80 operates in accordance with substantially the sameprinciple as that described in connection with FIGS.

1-4. When the container incorporating the regulator 80 is in the uprightposition, and the discharge valve 36 is actuated, product flows upthrough the dip tube 66, through the product channel 96 of the slide 94and into the product chamber 92. Then, product passes through theopening 90 of the coupler 88 and into the flow opening 42 of the valve36. By properly sizing the flow orifices along the product passage fromthe container through the valve 36, product may be discharged inaccordance with any predetermined discharge characteristics as in theembodiment described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. When thecontainer is inverted, the opening 86 is placed in communication withthe product of the container and the slide 94 engages the coupler 88such that the product channel 96 of the slide 94 is substantiallyclosed. Simultane ously with the above, the opening 86 of the housing 82is placed in communication with the product chamber 92. Thus, productflows from the container through the opening 86 into the product chamber92, then through the opening 90 of the coupler 88 to the flow opening 42of the valve 36.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown another embodiment of thepresent invention especially suited for use with a manual dischargevalve having a vapor tap or opening 46 defined therein. As shown, aregulator 100 comprises an adapter 102 and the valve body 38 of thevalve 36. The adapter 102 includes a housing 104 constructed to define aproduct passageway 64 having a bypass 76 communicating with the dip tube66. The housing 104 also includes an upstanding wall 106 integrallyformed therewith to define a recess 108 therebetween and the inner wallof the housing 104. A stopper slug 110 having a cupped-shaped recess 112provided therein is inserted in the recess I08.

When a container utilizing the regulator 100 is in an upright position,the adapter 102 is positioned as shown in-FIG. 6. Thus, product flowsthrough the dip tube 66 and the bypass channel 76 into the productpassageway 64. Product then flows through the flow opening 42 into thevalve 36. Simultaneously, during this operation the opening or vapor tap46 provides propellant to the valve 36 to be mixed with the product asit passes through the valve. When the container is in the invertedposition, the vapor tap or opening 46 is placed in communication withthe product within the container and the slug slides to close the flowopening 42 of the valve body 38. Thus, in the inverted position, productflows through the vapor tap or opening 46 into the valve stem 56throughthe valve 36. Like the other embodiments heretofore described, byproperly sizing the relative orifices in which the product flows duringthe various positions of the container, product may be discharged inaccordance with a plurality of discharge characteristics.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a regulator 116 also constructedin accordance with the present invention. Regulator 116 differs fromthose regulators discussed above substantially only in the manner inwhich the body orifice of the valve body is closed. As shown in FIG. 7,the regulator 116 comprises a valve body 118 and a coupler 120 securedthereto by rim 122. The valve body 118 is provided with a plurality ofcommunicating passageways 124, 126, and 128 concentricallydisposedrelative to one another. The coupler 120 includes communicatingpassageways 130 and 132, passageway 130 cooperating with the passageway126 of the valve body to define a product chamber 134 and passageway 132providing product communication from the container via the dip tube 66to product chamber 134. The valve body 118 also includes a bypass 136providing product communication between the product chamber 134 and thepassageway 128. In addition, the valve body 118 is provided with anopening 138 communicating with the interior of the container and theproduct chamber 134. A stopper, such as the ball 140, is provided withinthe product chamber 134. The ball 140 is constructed so that it is movedby the propellant driven product passing through the product chamber 134and it is of a greater diameter than the passageways 128, 132 and theopening 138.

In operation, when a container embodying the regulator 116 is in theupright position and the manual discharge valve 36 is depressed, productflows through the dip tube 66 through the passageway 132 of the coupler120 and into the product chamber 134. Since theball 140 is constructedto be moved by the product in the product chamber 134, the ball isforced by the product up against the opening 138 of the valve body, thusclosing this opening as well as closing direct product flow betweenpassageways 126 and 128. It will be appreciated, then, that product inthe product chamber 134 will still be in communication with the valve 36via the bypass 136. When the container is in the inverted position, theball 140 momentarily falls to close the opening 138, but since theopening is then placed in communication with the product of thecontainer, product forces the ball 140 away from the opening 138 andagainst the passageway 132 closing the same. Thus, when the container isin the inverted position, product flows through the opening 138 into theproduct chamber 134. and through the passageway 128 into the valve 36.Like the other embodiments heretofore discussed, by regulating theorifices in which the product flows in both the inverted and uprightpositions of the container, different discharge characteristics may beobtained.

It will be appreciated that vapor tap action may be obtained inutilizing the regulator 116. Thus, when the container is in the uprightposition and the ball 140 is forced against the opening 138, means maybe provided to allow propellant leakage from the container into theproduct chamber 134 from the opening 138. Also, when the container is inthe inverted position and the ball 140 is forced by the product againstthe passageway 132, means may be provided within the passageway toprovide propellant leakage from the passageway 132 into the chamber 134.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a regulator 142 useful for adischarge valve 36 having a side opening 46 defined therein. As showntherein, the regulator 142 comprises the valve body 38 of a dischargevalve 36 and an upper portion 144 of the dip tube 66. An insert 146having bypass channels 148 defined about its periphery, is placed withinthe portion 1440f the dip tube 66 to define a seat for the ball 150. Theball 150 is designed to cooperate with the flow opening 42 of the valvebody 38 to close same. Thus, when a container embodying the regulator142 is in the upright position, product flows through the dip tube 66 inthe usual manner, through the bypass channels 148 of the insert 146 andinto the valve 36 through the flow opening 42. When the container is inthe inverted position, the vapor tap 46 of the discharge valve 36 isplaced in communication with the product of the container and the ball150, under the influence of gravity, seats on and closes the flowopening 42. Thus, under these stated conditions, product flows throughthe vapor tap 46 into the valve 36. By properly adjusting the effectiveorifices in which the product flows during the various positions of thecontainer, various predetermined and different discharge characteristicsmay be obtained.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown another regulator I52constructed in accordance with the present invention. It will be notedthat this regulator is substantially of the same construction as thatshown in FIG. 6, except for the provision of a coupler 154. Coupler 154is utilized to secure the housing 104 to the valve body 38 of thedischarge valve 36 instead of securing the housing 104 directly to thevalve body 38 as in FIG. 6. This arrangement is especially useful whenthe valve housing 104 is constructed of metal or like material, sincethe coupler 154 may be adapted to provide a snug engagement between themetal housing 104 and the valve body 38 which is usually constructed ofplastic.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a regulator 156 comprising avalve body 38 and an adapter 158. The adapter 158 is constructed toengage the outer periphery of the valve body 38 substantially as shown,and also includes a nipple 160 having a channel 162 for providingproduct communication between the dip tube 66 and a product chamber 164defined between the valve body 38 and the adapter 158. A shoulder 166 isprovided within the adapter 158 and is constructed to hold stopper 168.The stopper 168 is constructed to snugly fit and close the flow opening42 of the valve body 38, as well as to provide product communicationbetween the chamber 164 and the flow opening 42 by means of bypasschannels 170 provided about the stopper 168.

In operation, when the container embodying the regulator 156 is in theupright position, product flows through the dip tube 66 and the channel162 into the product chamber 164 through the bypass channels 170 of thestopper 168. From the product chamber 164, product flows into thedischarge valve 36 through the flow opening 42. When the container is inthe inverted position, the stopper element 168, under the influence ofgravity, engages and closes the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38.Simultaneously, the opening 46 is placed in communication with theproduct of the container. Thus. in this position, product flows throughthe opening 46 and into the manual discharge valve 36.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a regulator 172 having manysimilarities with regulator 59 illustrated in FIGS. 14 above. Thus, itwill be seen that the regulator comprises the valve body 38 ofadischarge valve 36 and an adapter housing 174 constructed to provideproduct communication between the dip tube 66 and the flow opening 42 ofthe valve body 38. The main differences between the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is that thehousing 174 has a large opening at the end 175 so as to accommodate diptube 66 of larger diameter. in addition, a cup 176 is connected to thehousing 174 so as to define a narrower bypass 76. Otherwise the valveregulator 172 operates substantially the same as that illustrated anddescribed in connection with FIGS. 1--4.

Lastly, referring to FIG. 12 there is shown another regulator 178constructed in accordance with the present invention. Regulator 178 isalso especially useful in conjunction with a discharge valve having aside opening defined therein. As shown in FIG. 12, regulator 178comprises a valve body 38 of the discharge valve 36, and a housing 180constructed to define a fluid communication between the flow opening 42of the valve body 38 and the dip tube 66. It will be noted that thehousing 181) is similar to a substantially hollow cylinder and includesa product passageway 182 extending from the top of the dip tube 66 tothe flow opening 42 of valve body 38. A stopper housing 184 is centrallylocated within the product passageway 182 to house a slide 186. Theslide 186 is constructed to cooperate with recess in flow opening 42 andto close same when the container utilizing the regulator 178 is in theinverted position. It will be noted that through the use of thisembodiment, a dip tube having a substantially large inner diameter maybe used. In operation, as in the other embodiments, product flowsthrough the dip tube 66 into the product passageway 182 and into theflow opening 42. When the container utilizing the regulator 178 is inthe inverted position, however, the vapor tap 46 is placed incommunication with the product of the container and the slide 186 closesthe flow opening 42, thus product flows into the valve 36 through theopening 46. As stated throughout this specification, the relative sizesof the orifices in product path, both when the container is in theupright position, and in the inverted position, are sized so as toprovide discharge of the product in accordance with a plurality ofdischarge characteristics.

it should also be appreciated that, while all the regulators and theadapters hereinabove described, are especially suitable for providingproduct discharge from a pressurized container in a plurality ofdifferent predetermined discharge characteristics, the particularstructure of the regulators and the adapters may also be utilized todispense product in a single discharge characteristic in any position ofthe container. This may be obtained by merely sizing the relativeorifices in which the product passes in the respective positions of thecontainer so that equal discharge characteristics are producedregardless of position of the container.

Thus it will be appreciated from the above that in accordance with 'thepresent invention, novel'adapters and regulators for pressurizedcontainers are disclosed which permit the discharge of product in anyposition of the container and, also, in a plurality ofdifferentdischarge characteristics.

Having thus described the invention with particular references to thepreferred forms thereof, it will be obvious to those skilled in the artto which the invention pertains, after understanding the invention, thatvarious changes and modifications may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claimsappended hereto.

We claim:

1. An adapterfor pressurized containers having a product discharge valvewith a side opening defined therein, said adapter comprising a housingconstructed to define a product passageway from the container to thedischarge valve and first means constructed in said housing for holdinga passage closing means, said first means being constructed such thatsaid closing means substantially blocks said passageway when the sideopening of the discharge valve is placed in substantial communicationwith the product whereby said adapter permits continuous productdischarge from said valve regardless of the position of the container. I

2. An adapter as in claim 1 wherein said first means includes wall meansmaintained in closed proximity to said passageway, said wall means beingconstructed to hold said closing means when the side opening of thedischarge valve is not in substantial communication with the product.

3. An adapter as in claim 2 wherein said housing includes a dip tube andsaid wall means includes a perforated insert mounted in said dip tube.

4. An adapter as in claim 2 wherein said wall means is defined by acylindrical chamber communicating with said passageway, said chamberbeing constructed to hold a cylindrical closing means.

5. An adapter as in claim 2 wherein said wall means is substantiallycup-shaped and is constructed to hold a round closing means.

6. An adapter as'in claim 5 further including a ball constructed to sitin said cup-shaped wall.

7. A regulator for pressurized containers having an upright dischargevalve mounted thereon, said regulator comprising a housing constructedto define a product chamber, said housing having two openingscommunicating with the interior of the container, one of said twoopenings constructed to provide product communication between thecontainer and said product chamber when the container is in the uprightposition, closing means positioned within said product chamber andadapted to selectively close said two openings, said closing means beingconstructed to be moved by said product whereby said closing means isforced by said product to close said other of said two openings whensaid container is in the upright position and to close said one of saidtwo openings when said container is in the inverted position.

8. A pressurized container for dispensing product in a plurality ofdischarge characteristics, said container comprising product dischargevalve means and regulating means defining a product eduction passagewayfrom the interior of the container to said discharge valve means, saidpassageway having openings communicating with the interior of saidcontainer for providing in various predetermined positions of saidcontainer, product communication between said container and saidpassageway, said openings being constructed relative to one another suchthat, in said various predetermined positions, product is dischargedfrom said container in different discharge characteristics, saidregulating means further including closing means operable partially toclose, in said various positions, those of said openings which do notsimultaneously function to provide product communication between saidcontainer and said discharge valve means.

9. In a container for a product to be dispensed and a fluid propellantfor driving product from the container, valve means operable toestablish communication between the product and atmosphere, said valvemeans including a chamber having an opening, an adapter normallyeffecting communication between said chamber and said container interiorthrough eduction means, means in said adapter closing said opening insaid chamber when said container is inverted, and means defining anopening effecting communication between said valve chamber and theinterior of said container when said container is in upright andinverted position.

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein said means in said adapterclosing said opening in said chamber when said container is inverted isa free member movable by gravity to close said opening when thecontainer is inverted and to unclose same when said container isupright.

11. In a container for a product to be dispensed in upright and invertedpositions and a fluid propellant to drive the product from thecontainer, valve means operable to establish communication between theproduct and atmosphere. said valve means including a chamber having anopening, an adapter, two passageway means formed in said adapter foreffecting communication between said container interior and saidchamber, means in said adapter closing one of said passageway means inone of said positions and unclosing said passageway, means in the otherof said positions to permit the flow of product from said containerinterior to said chamber in either of said positions, means permittingthe flow of propellant into said chamber in at least one of saidpositions, said means in said adapter comprising a free member movableby the product to uncover the respective passageway means when the valvemeans is open.

12. A container for dispensing product under the influence of a pressuremedium in a plurality of different predetermined dischargecharacteristics, said container comprising product discharge valve meansmounted thereon and regulating means defining a product educationpassageway to said discharge valve means from said container, saidpassageway having means defining two openings communicating with theinterior of said container, one of said two openings providing productcommunication between said container and said passageway when saidcontainer is substantially in its upright position, the other of saidtwo openings providing product communication between said container andsaid passageway when saidcontainer is substantially in its invertedposition, said two openings being constructed relative to one anothersuch that product is discharged from said container in a firstpredetermined discharge characteristic when said container issubstantially in the upright position and in a second predetermineddischarge characteristic when said container is substantially in theinverted position, said other of said openings being maintainedcontinuously open so as to effect communication between said passagewayand the pressure medium in said container when the latter is in uprightposition to permit mixing of product and pressure medium in saidpassageway when the container is discharged in upright position.

13. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 12wherein said regulating means further includes closing means operable toclose said one of said two openings when said container is substantiallyin the inverted position.

14. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 13wherein said closing means is defined by material more dense than saidproduct and is operable by gravitational forces to close said one ofsaid two openings.

15. A container for dispensing product under the influence of a pressuremedium in a plurality of different predetermined dischargecharacteristics, said container comprising product discharge valve meansmounted thereon and regulating means defining a product eductionpassageway to said discharge valve means from I said container, saidpassageway having means defining two openings communicating with theinterior of said container, one of said two openings providing productcommunication between said container and said passageway when saidcontainer is substantially in its upright position, the other of saidtwo openings providing product communication between said container andsaid passageway when said container is substantially in its invertedposition, said two openings being constructed relative to one anothersuch that product is discharged from said container in a firstpredetermined discharge characteristic when said container issubstantially in the inverted position, said other of said openingsbeing maintained continuously open so as to effect communication betweensaid passageway and the pressure medium in said container when thelatter is in upright position to permit mixing of product and pressuremedium in said passageway when the container is discharged in uprightposition, said regulating means further including closing means operableto close said one of said two openings when said container issubstantially in inverted position and to close said other of said twoopenings when said container is substantially in upright position.

16. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 15wherein said closing means is constructed to only partially close saidtwo openings wherein said partially closed openings function to vaporizesaid product discharged from said'container.

17. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 15wherein said closing means is defined by material more dense than saidproduct and is operable by gravitational forces to close said twoopenings 18 A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim17 wherein said housing includes a wall for holding said closing means,said wall being constructed to hold said closing means when saidcontainer is in the upright position and release same when saidcontainer is in the inverted position.

19. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 15wherein said closing means is constructed to be moved by said product atsaid two openings

